Literary notes about Conduit (AI summary)
The word “conduit” in literature is given a dual life, functioning both as a tangible channel for water and a metaphorical pathway for ideas and influence. In historical texts, it designates actual structures—water channels, pipes, or standards that mark urban development—found in works by John Stow ([1], [2], [3]) and the vivid diary entries of Samuel Pepys ([4], [5]). At the same time, playwrights and novelists employ “conduit” metaphorically to suggest the movement of stories, emotions, or even gossip, as seen in the witty remarks of Ben Jonson ([6], [7]) and the creative imagery of Jules Verne ([8]).
- There lieth a street from Newgate west to the end of Turnagaine lane, and winding north to Oldborne conduit.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - This conduit, or standard, was again new built with a larger cistern, at the charges of the city, in the year 1582.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - [160] Then have ye a fair conduit of sweet water, castellated in the middest of that ward and street.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - Anon to church, walking out into the streete to the Conduit, and so across the streete, and had a very good company along with the corps.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - We tired one coach upon Holborne-Conduit Hill, and got another, and made it a long journey home.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - now shall I be possest of all his counsels; and, by that conduit, my young master.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - A gentleman of your sorts, parts, carriage, and estimation, to talk of your turn in this company, and to me alone, like a tankard-bearer at a conduit!
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - When I had inhaled this air freely, I sought the conduit pipe, which conveyed to us the beneficial whiff, and I was not long in finding it.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne
